Ecotech Institute Names Donald Smith as New Director of Electrical Engineering Technology and Power Utility Technician Program

Ecotech Institute, the first and only school in the U.S. solely focused on renewable energy and sustainability, today announced Donald Smith as new program director of both Electrical Engineering Technology and Power Utility Technician programs. In this position, Smith is responsible for assuring that all his students gain the most hands-on and applicable knowledge possible while preparing to enter the renewable energy job force.

Smith is seasoned in the electronics industry and has worked as a Qualified Senior Reactor Operator—responsible for an entire nuclear power plant—and has more than 15 years of experience teaching electronics, computer programming, computer networking and software design. He has also administered a program in the electronics education field and owned two businesses, one was a custom computer solution/application development company and the other was a non-profit that recycled and salvaged electronics that were then placed into schools and community centers. During service in the United States Navy, he worked in the nuclear power field as an electronics technician.

“Donald has so much life experience to offer our students,” said Chris Gorrie, Ecotech Institute’s president. “His experience and background in education make him an excellent source of knowledge for our students to tap into and take advantage of. In addition, the passion he has for each student makes him an invaluable leader of these two programs.”

Smith holds a bachelor’s degree from Westwood College and an associate’s degree in electronics from ITT. His hobbies include robotics, programming, rocketry, computer games, energy efficiency and fishing.

To learn more about Ecotech Institute and its offerings in renewable energy education, including the addition of online courses, visit www.ecotechinstitute.com.